Asymmetric array elements for symmetric scan performance

Phased array antennas with a desired symmetric scan range about broadside usually are designed with array elements that have a corresponding symmetry. However, this appears to be unnecessarily restrictive. We 1) show that symmetric scan performance normally is maintained even with asymmetric array elements, and 2) compare conventional, symmetric patches with asymmetric patches, which have no E-plane symmetry. The elements with spoiled symmetry have clearly better scan and/or bandwidth performance.